156. Memorandum of Conversation0

SVE/MC–9

SUBJECT

  • Berlin

PARTICIPANTS

  • The Secretary
  • General Norstad
  • Ambassador Whitney
  • Mr. Merchant
  • Mr. Barbour
  • Mr. Greene
  • Mr. Thurston
  • Mr. Hillenbrand

The discussion of this subject started with a reference to the American convoy which was being held at the Marienborn checkpoint.1 [Page 317] General Norstad remarked that there was some reason for believing that a local Soviet interpretation of the inspection procedure was involved. The Secretary said that another interpretation might be that the Soviets wanted to stiffen up their position to create a precedent before turning over to the GDR. General Norstad said this would be more likely if it had occurred at the Berlin end of the autobahn. [8 lines of source text not declassified]

  1. Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1201. Top Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Hillenbrand. The meeting was held at the Embassy Residence.
  2. See Document 152.